Brain and focus

What is in this category

Here you will find substances that people often look for under the name nootropics. One thing first: for plant extracts and most of these substances there are no authorised health claims in the EU. So we describe what the products contain and how they differ.

• Citicoline (CDP-choline): for example Jarrow Formulas Citicoline 250 mg.
• Phosphatidylserine: a phospholipid, such as Swanson Phosphatidylserine 100 mg.
• Bacopa monnieri and ginkgo biloba: standardised plant extracts, for example Swanson Ginkgo Biloba Extract 60 mg.
• Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus): a functional mushroom as an extract, for example from Nature's Answer or OstroVit.
• Magnesium L-threonate: a special magnesium compound made with the branded raw material Magtein, for example Osavi Magtein.
• Mucuna pruriens: a plant extract with a natural L-dopa content.

Authorised claims for vitamins and minerals

Around mental performance, claims are authorised only for certain nutrients, for example:

• Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance.
• Zinc and iodine contribute to normal cognitive function.
• Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function.

That is why many formulas also contain B vitamins, zinc or magnesium.

How to compare the products

• With plant extracts, the standardisation shows how much of the marker compound is present, such as bacosides in bacopa or flavone glycosides in ginkgo.
• With multi-ingredient formulas, check the amount of each substance – long lists often mean small individual amounts.
• With magnesium L-threonate, the magnesium share per capsule is low; the figures are on the label.
• Some formulas contain caffeine. Keep an eye on this if you are sensitive to it.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet. If you take medicines or are pregnant, ask your doctor first.

Frequently asked questions

What is citicoline?

Citicoline is a compound of choline and cytidine, also called CDP-choline.

What is special about magnesium L-threonate?

It is a magnesium compound with L-threonic acid. It contains less magnesium per capsule than citrate, for example, and costs more.

Can I combine several products?

If you do, check the total amount of each substance and follow the labels.